Page 149 of California Wild

Jesse cracked him once—clean and hard—right across the face.

The sound echoed off the alley walls like a gunshot. Caiden staggered back, swearing, spitting blood.

And just like that, Isaac was there—grabbing Jesse by the collar, dragging him back before it turned into something worse.

“Bro. Hey. Enough,” Isaac barked, his body wedged between them now. “Don’t kill him.”

Jesse’s pulse roared. His breath came fast. Fists clenched at his sides.

Caiden wiped his mouth, sneering. “Yeah, run away, bitch. I’ll get her home tonight.”

Jesse lunged again—but Isaac shoved him back with both arms. “Let it go.”

A long second passed. Then another.

Finally, Jesse stepped back, chest heaving, eyes still locked on Caiden like a predator forced to turn his back.

He didn’t say another word.

Just ground out his cigarette with the toe of his boot, turned on his heel, and walked off into the dark.

Isaac followed. Silent.

The music kept playing behind them, unaware.

But Jesse? Jesse felt it in his bones.

That line had been crossed.

And shit was about to change.

Chapter 22

Jesse sat on the couch like a live wire—still, but thrumming underneath. He’d shot her a text, hours ago now. Let me know when you’re coming back. Just so he could be ready. Just so he didn’t miss the sound of her footsteps.

Now it was past midnight.

The lock clicked.

She was here.

His place. Her key. The one she hadn’t given back.

He didn’t move. Didn’t even breathe.

Just stared at the door, every muscle pulled tight. He’d told himself he’d keep it cool. That he’d play it calm.

But when it swung open and Hayley stepped inside—

Christ.

The air changed.

She looked like sin and heartbreak. Stage makeup smudged. That glossy red lipstick, worn off. Auburn hair long and wild over her shoulders. Black tank top, black shorts. Her legs bare, platform Vans still laced. His flannel slipping off one shoulder like it didn’t know whether to stay or fall.

She stopped when she saw him—just standing there, frozen.

Eyes locked.

---